In a historic move that has stunned both the basketball and football worlds, Chelsea co-owner and billionaire investor Mark Walter has officially acquired the Los Angeles Lakers for an unprecedented $10 billion (£7.45 billion), making it the most expensive sports franchise takeover in history.
This blockbuster deal redefines the global sports ownership landscape, surpassing previous records held by NFL and Premier League franchises. Walter, who is also part of the consortium that owns Chelsea FC, now holds the reins of one of the most storied and successful teams in NBA history.
Industry insiders suggest this purchase highlights the growing crossover between European football investors and major American sports franchises. Walter, whose estimated net worth exceeds $5 billion, has long been rumored to have ambitions of expanding his sports empire beyond football — and this move firmly cements that strategy.
The Lakers, boasting a rich legacy of 17 NBA championships and global superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, were previously valued at around $7 billion, but Walter’s aggressive bid significantly raised the stakes in a fiercely competitive bidding war that included several tech billionaires and private equity firms.
“This acquisition is about legacy, global reach, and the power of two of the most recognized sporting brands — Chelsea and the Lakers — working under one visionary umbrella,” said a source close to the deal.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has reportedly approved the sale, pending minor procedural formalities, which means Walter is set to take full control in the coming weeks.
Fans are already speculating on what this could mean for the Lakers’ future, with some expecting major investment into facilities, player recruitment, and global marketing — potentially linking the brand even more closely with Chelsea’s global fanbase.
Sports economists suggest this deal could spark a new era of cross-continental super-ownership, where the world’s biggest clubs in football and basketball operate under shared ownership models to dominate both markets.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Mark Walter has just reshaped the future of global sports ownership in a way few thought possible.
